21 Federal was awarded Best Steak in Massachusetts: “The signature steak is a tender sirloin from all-natural free-range grass-fed Angus steer, served with perfectly crisp parmesan-dusted shoestring fries and seasonal vegetable accompaniment. Tasty enough to make a carnivore out of the most ardent seafood fan.”

And in the category of “Massachusetts Local Secrets 2010”, El Rincon won Best Salvadoran Cuisine in Massachusetts: “Hearty dishes for not a lot of dinero. The out-of-town location keeps the pupusas, tamales, and other platos tipicos of El Salvador hidden from the island’s summer throngs, so no need for reservations.”

Susan Handy and executive chef Jeff Worster have a new Sous Chef at Black-Eyed Susan’s -Todd Edwards. James Vincent continues as the chef de Cuisine.

Corazon del Mar is now serving Saturday lunch and Latin Sunday brunch, adding Friday lunch next week, then lunch daily as the season progresses. Many items are available for take-out.

Corazon was mentioned in last Sunday’s (May 16, 2010) Boston Globe Magazine under “Summer Travel: Food”: “Mexico on the Sound Massachusetts: Restaurateurs Angela and Seth Raynor of Nantucket‚Äôs Boarding House and the Pearl are spicing things up on the island with their new Latin-inspired restaurant, Corazon del Mar. The atmosphere is festive and the flavors – in dishes like pork carnitas and littlenecks with piquillo peppers – are bold. There‚Äôs also a seviche bar and the best tequila selection on the island.”

Fresh is now open for our third season at 3 Salem Street.

The Jared Coffin House was featured on NBC’s The Today Show on Thursday, April 22, 2010. Travel + Leisure’s Nilou Motamed gave Al Roker tips for booking a perfect getaway for Mother’s Day weekend; here’s the footage. Black-Eyed Susan’s was also mentioned. The “Bikes and Breakfast” package was also featured in the May issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, and on Travel + Leisure’s website.

And from that guy I swear is Jim Carrey’s brother, down the end of Straight Wharf at Nantucket Ice Cream & Juice Guys: “Mike Campbell here. I’m the guy that owns the ice cream/smoothie and more store down at the end of Straight Wharf. We have moved beyond ice cream and smoothies and added breakfast items (egg sandwiches, muffins, biscotti, coffee, tea, etc), snack items (nuts, chips, drinks, candy, etc.) and hot dogs (late night in high summer).”

Here’s a combo I’ve not seen here before: Roasted Suckling Pig and Single Barrel Bourbon Flight Night at Oran Mor Bistro and Bar on Wednesday nights beginning at 6 pm, through June.

I haven’t been yet, but Oran Mor now offers a small plate bar menu (a trend first started by American Seasons, where their $5 buffalo burger, when they have it, is still one of the best). Chef Chris Freeman at Oran Mor now offers oysters, duck, prawn, octopus, olives, pork belly, littleneck clams, and cheese plate, all at $3 to $11. I purposely left out the details so you’ll go check it out. I’ll go after my post Wine Fest wine-fast.

Pickle Pickle, a spin off of the Dancing Pickle, is now open at 7 Old South Wharf.

Evan Marley at Pi Pizzeria wrote to tell me he’s now buying top quality whole strip loin, dry aging it himslef, then cutting into 14 oz steaks and cooking it the way you like it in their 900 degree wood pizza oven.

The Summer House is now “The Summer House Restaurants by Todd English”, with celebrity chef Todd English joining owners Danielle deBenedictis and Peter and Chris Karlson to run the Summer House Restaurant and the Beachside Bistro. Figs at 29 Fair by Todd English, also owned by Danielle and Peter, opened last year.

Todd intends to celebrate regional Italian cuisine as he has done at Olives, the restaurant that made him famous, with island fresh farm vegetables and just caught seafood.

The Summer House bartenders are Karen Grant (returning) and Steve Turrentine, last seen at Cy’s. Tracy Root returns as the Wine Director, this year for all the proporties – the Summer House, Summer House Bistro, and Figs at 29 Fair.

New this year at the pool: look for table service, lounge seating, and Sunday parties.

Town and Queequeg’s are offering 2 for 25 from 5:30-6:30 nightly. Kitty Murtagh’s continues 50% Mondays, $5 burgers Tuesdays and prime rib for $12.95 on Wednesday. Queequeg’s and Town will serve breakfast and lunch beginning Wednesday 5/19.